Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), a key calcium-phosphorus compound, has been widely applied in fields such as dentistry, orthopedics, and biomedicine. However, its potential for removing copper ions from aqueous solutions remains largely unexplored. In this study, sodium citrate-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (Cit-ACP) and its calcined derivatives at various temperatures were successfully synthesized as adsorbents for copper ions. The adsorption behavior of Cit-ACP was best described by the Langmuir isotherm, with kinetics following a pseudo-second-order model. Under conditions of pH 5.5 and an initial copper ion concentration of 200 mg/L, Cit-ACP exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 323.96 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Comprehensive characterization via XRD, XPS, and zeta potential measurements before and after adsorption revealed a two-stage adsorption mechanism. At low initial copper concentrations, adsorption occurred predominantly through surface complexation between copper ions and sodium citrate molecules on Cit-ACP nanoparticles. At higher concentrations, the mechanism extended to include co-precipitation of copper ions with hydroxyl groups, which promoted the transformation of Cit-ACP into copper-substituted calcium phosphate phases, such as copper-containing hydroxyapatite. Owing to its straightforward synthesis, high adsorption capacity, and inherent biocompatibility, Cit-ACP presents a promising, cost-effective, and efficient adsorbent for the removal of copper ions from aqueous environments.

In this work, an eco-friendly 3D screen printing technique implemented in roll-to-roll technology for the manufacturing of flexible electronics is presented. The conductive ink was prepared through the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, an eco-friendly reagent, onto the surfaces of silver nanoparticles. A biodegradable master pattern for screen printing was printed by 3D fused deposition modeling using a polylactic acid filament. This technique was implemented to fabricate hybrid touch-sensitive sensors, to be used as electrical switches, on both photographic and conventional office papers. The functionality of these sensors was demonstrated, and the systems were tested under aging and bending conditions, proving the reliability of this technological approach in flexible electronics and offering a biodegradable alternative.

Ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) have been proposed as interfacial agents that modulate colloidal interactions, yet their role in early-stage flocculation remains insufficiently quantified. Using amidine latex (AL) as a cationic model colloid under controlled end-over-end mixing, we combined flocculation kinetics with electrokinetic and interfacial measurements to elucidate the mechanism by which UFBs promote aggregation. Electrophoretic measurements show adsorption-driven charge regulation by bubbles; increasing the UFB-to-AL ratio progressively neutralizes the surface and at sufficient dose reverses its charge. The neutrality point occurs at a characteristic ratio that is only weakly sensitive to background sodium chloride (NaCl). Interfacial measurements reveal a thicker hydrodynamic layer at higher ionic strength, consistent with closer packing of adsorbed UFBs under double layer compression, and micrographs of particle dimers confirm a larger inter-particle separation that directly visualizes this layer. Aggregation accelerates at 10 mM sodium chloride but remains slow at 0.1 mM, indicating that electrolyte screening is required for efficient adsorption and bridging; pH modulated the process secondarily. Together, the results support a coherent picture in which UFB adsorption creates patchy, charge-compensated surfaces and a soft hydrodynamic layer that enlarges the effective collision cross-section, thereby enhancing early-stage flocculation.

Solid-state spin centers are at the forefront of developing advanced quantum technologies, engaging in applications of sensing, communication and computing. A semiconductor host matrix compatible with existing silicon technology provides a robust platform for holding spin defects and an opportunity for external manipulation. In this article, negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in the hexagonal hh position in a 6H polytype silicon carbide crystal was studied using high-frequency (94 GHz) electron paramagnetic (EPR) and electron nuclear double resonances (ENDOR) spectroscopy. Experimentally determined values of hyperfine and quadrupole interactions of 14N were compared with the values obtained for the centers in NVk2k1 positions. The distribution of spin density of the defect within a supercell of the SiC crystal lattice was calculated using the density functional theory approach. The theoretical estimation of electron-nuclear interaction constants turned out to be in close agreement with the experimental values, which allows us to refine the microscopic model of a point defect. The temperature dependence of the spin Hamiltonian values (δA/δT ≅ 180 Hz/K) was studied with the possibility of observing the 14N NMR signal at room temperature. The fundamental knowledge gained about interactions’ parameters’ behavior lays the foundation for the creation of promising quantum platforms.

Localized therapeutic action and targeted drug release offer compelling advantages over traditional systemic drug administration. This is particularly important for nitric oxide (NO), whose biological effects vary greatly depending on concentration and cellular environment. Light-sensitive NO donors are promising for achieving precise, on-demand NO release. However, their efficiency and photostability are limited by competing photophysical processes and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigate hybrid systems composed of photosensitive nitric oxide (NO) donors and silver island films (SIFs). The influence of localized surface plasmon on non-radiative relaxation pathways and ROS generation is the main focus of the paper. Upon excitation at 500 nm, we observed several-fold increase in NO release, attributed to resonant interactions between the plasmonic field and the dye molecules. By tuning the thickness of a SiO2 buffer layer, we identified key parameters affecting process efficiency: the spectral overlap between the plasmon resonance and the sensitizer’s absorption band, and the distance between the nanoparticle and the molecule. Additionally, singlet oxygen generation increase was observed. These findings demonstrate the potential of plasmonic enhancement to controllably boost photochemical activity in organic systems, paving the way for advanced applications in phototherapy and biomedical diagnostics.

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) consist of isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, and solvents that after dispersion emulsify in the aqueous media of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). SEDDS can deliver hydrophobic drugs, which could enhance their oral bioavailability by protecting them from precipitation and degradation. However, it is important to find the appropriate ratio of their excipients to produce emulsions with the desirable physicochemical characteristics. In this sense, Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches such as central composite design (CCD) and Box–Behnken design (BBD) can reduce the number of experiments necessary to determine the best composition and preparation process of a SEDDS formulation. Therefore, this article aims to discuss drug delivery through SEDDS and how DoE approaches can aid researchers in achieving product quality specifications and optimizing the formulation preparation processes. For this, the most recent and relevant papers were analyzed. This review is expected to guide future research directions for more rational development of SEDDS.

Eco-friendly iron and manganese oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 and Mn2O3) were synthesized and integrated into graphene sheets to form uniform composites. These composites were then embedded in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers using electrospinning. Comprehensive characterization of the composites and the final composite fibers was conducted using XRD, FE-SEM, and FTIR to analyze their structural complexity and morphological differences. The antibacterial efficacy of the resulting PVA nanofibers was evaluated against Escherichia coli, which is a common pathogen in hospital environments. The results show a significant bactericidal effect against these bacteria, which highlights their potential in medical applications, such as functional bandages and wound dressings. This study paves the way for potential commercial applications of these nanofibers in healthcare settings.

Wound healing is rarely seen as a problem in healthy individuals; however, under certain pathophysiological conditions, this process can be impaired, leading to the emergence of chronic wounds, which are themselves a serious public health problem. This work aimed to review the most important recent literature on the use of nanoparticles of Ag, Au, and Zn produced from plant extracts and their application as healing agents. To that end, we provide an insight into the pathophysiology of wound healing and the main routes to obtaining metallic nanoparticles. The methodology of synthesis, which is part of the so-called green synthesis, has been the focus of several studies on the use of medicinal plants as a substrate to produce silver, gold, and zinc nanoparticles. Their use as wound healing agents is closely related to their natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cicatrizing properties. Finally, we address in vitro and in vivo studies on the efficiency of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) synthesized from plant extracts and applied to wound healing in different pharmaceutical forms. For instance, the excellent wound contraction rates obtained from silver and gold NPs, respectively, were obtained from Euphorbia milii (92%) and Plectranthus aliciae (almost 97%) extracts in in vivo and in vitro analyses. Based on the satisfactory results, we find that MNPs are a potential therapeutic alternative compared to traditional synthetic healing agents and foresee the production of new pharmaceutical drugs.

Nano-encapsulation and conjugation are the main strategies employed for drug delivery. Nanoparticles help improve encapsulation and targeting efficiency, thus optimizing therapeutic efficacy. Through nanoparticle technology, replacement of a defective gene or delivery of a new gene into a patient’s genome has become possible. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) loaded with genetic materials are designed to be delivered to specific target sites to enable gene therapy. The lipid shells protect the fragile genetic materials from degradation, then successfully release the payload inside of the cells, where it can integrate into the patient’s genome and subsequently express the protein of interest. This review focuses on the development of LNPs and nano-pharmaceutical techniques for improving the potency of gene therapies, reducing toxicities, targeting specific cells, and releasing genetic materials to achieve therapeutic effects. In addition, we discuss preparation techniques, encapsulation efficiency, and the effects of conjugation on the efficacy of LNPs in delivering nucleic acid materials.

This work presents the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using Baccharis salicifolia extract and their incorporation in mesoporous silica MCM-41, obtaining an MCM-41@IONP composite. The MCM-41@IONP composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption and desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The use of the natural reducing agent Baccharis salicifolia resulted in nanoparticles with an average size of 31 nm. Furthermore, we showcase the application of the MCM-41@IONP nanocomposite in a metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) diode, which was fabricated at room temperature. The current–voltage and capacitance–voltage curves of the MIS diode were carefully measured and subjected to detailed analysis. The results demonstrate the potential utility of MCM-41@IONP nanocomposite-based MIS diodes, suggesting their applicability in the design of biosensors or as discrete components in electronic devices.